Organisations


Learning aim A: Understand different types of organisations in the music industry.

For this unit you should know about different types of organisations in the music industry and the type of work each undertakes. 

1. Venues and live performance

Small and medium local venues

  • Spaces that range from pubs to clubs and small theatres that host music regularly or as part of mixed arts performances 
  • Host a wide range of music, from small niche genres and styles, to pop and club bands and singers.
  • Local promoters may use the venue for gigs and for club nights.

Large multi-use spaces

  • Arenas, sports venues, outdoor spaces 
  • Host touring productions linked to TV programmes, rock and pop acts, stand-up comedy, site-specific theatre, circuses, festivals. 

You should consider the advantages and disadvantages of each type of venue, and what makes them suitable or unsuitable for different types of live music event. Consideration should be given to location and what constraints might exist in terms of access, noise, disruption, power and security. Music can be performed in a variety of locations and you will need to appreciate the challenges and opportunities each provide. 

Health, safety and security at venues

The health and safety of both audience and employees in venues is of prime importance and expressed in law. You should know about health and safety in the workplace and the responsibility of venues to ensure the health and safety of the audience. You should consider risk within venues and know the venues’ policies and procedures relating to health, safety and security.

2. Service companies and agencies 

Royalty Collection Agencies 

  • PRS for Music (formerly the Performing Rights Society), MCPS (formerly the Mechanical Copyright Protection Society) 
  • The importance of adhering to legal requirements in terms of licensing, i.e. PPL licensing.


Artists representation 

  • Management, public relations, agents, stylists.

Hire companies

  • Hire of sound and lighting equipment, rehearsal and studio space.

Transport companies 

  • To transport equipment and materials for touring.

You should consider what equipment might be needed and what might be available from service companies and agencies. Consideration should be given to service companies and agencies and how their products support the music industry and why they are important and the pros and cons for musicians of working with agencies. Even the smallest show needs the services of others to exist and as shows get more and more technical, service companies can get more and more specialised. It is important to understand who does what and how they can help.

3. Unions 

Unions provide the support that individuals may need to succeed in a competitive world such as music. 

The Musicians Union (MU) 

  • Union for musicians, composers, instrumental teachers.

Equity 

  • Union for actors, dancers and other performers.

Broadcast Entertainment Cinematograph Theatre Union (BECTU) ​

  • Union for those working in production and/or technical roles. 

How unions support those in the music industry:

  • Monitoring employment conditions and contracts between employees and employers.
  • Advice for freelancers on tax and National Insurance (NI).
  • Support in relation to negotiation of minimum rates of pay and working conditions.
  • Handling of disputes.
  • Other services –networking opportunities, information about insurance and pensions, information and updates about changes relevant legislation.


You should consider the issues that unions are skilled in resolving and supporting. Consideration should be given this involved and what their responsibilities are, why and when they are needed.

4. Production and promotion 

Companies and individuals that create, promote and distribute music work: 

Recording Companies 

  • Major and independent.

Music Publishing 

  • Major companies, self-publishing.

Promoters

  • Concert, club, festival 

Broadcasting 

  • TV, radio, internet.

Marketing and Distribution 

  • Online, high street stores, social media.

You should consider the organisations within production and promotion in terms of who does what, why it is done and when it is done for new music products. Consideration should be given to the links between production and promotion and how each activity is a crucial part in the process. No musician can survive without the support of others and understanding who does what is crucial to a successful career in the music industry.